2TRU4U

So much hate and anger for NDSU, it's like they hurt you or something?

I think a lot of people had Illinois State in the semis. I guess you had Richmond? Personally, I wanted to see if NDSU could win a playoff game on the road. The NDSU @ Illinois St. would have been fun to watch.

This is Playoffs, nothing is a slam dunk

didn't Bubba leave for some reason?

I have a feeling the teams will see each other next year, unless the committee suddenly has a change of heart when it comes to regionalization

If I can take a moment to comment on your question... I think the numbers would be different. UND would most likely run the ball more effectively, but if you feel like UND's defense would play "about the same" then I would expect NDSU's rushing numbers to be somewhat different as well, because it's rushing game has gotten better throughout the season. IMHO, I would expect the numbers to be different for both teams, but not sure how different, then we are just speculating. Remember UND is not the only team with injuries and true freshman.

I'm not sure if it is mandatory by the NCAA or if some schools choose to do it or not, but I know that players that do not redshirt and play their first 4 years, are still awarded a scholarship the fifth year. Some schools have them student coach, or help in other ways.

can we just crown UND speculative champs right now??!!

I think you are on to something here... They should create a subdivision of teams that would rather compete in bowl games at the end of the regular season vs. a national playoff tournament.

They didn't raise a fuss, they raised the level of play on the field. I'm not sure if I read it here or somewhere else, but someone pointed out a downside of regionalization for other conferences is it eliminates opportunities to beat MVFC teams. I agree with that

There is talk in the cities that if Minnesota becomes bowl eligible and receives an invite, they may turn it down. I think that would be interesting, and could be a trend setting event. Personally, I love watching bowl games, but there are just too many of them. If teams start turning down invites the growth of bowl games could be reversed.

Couple things: I think 24 teams is just right, but the committee didn't get the best teams in the field. I think by seeding all 24 teams, there is no worry of regionalization, or loading one side of the bracket with 6 of the top 8 teams.

MVFC is the top football conference; not because of having the two best teams last year, but because of the best non-conference record this year. You are correct that having the two best teams last year doesn't make every team top 25 quality. Having 8 teams in the top 25 makes those 8 teams top 25 quality

Yeah, but next year the playoff committee will use different standards to select the teams that make it. Next year they might look at margin of victory. I'm a big FCS football fan, because there is a lot of great football played at this level across the nation. When the committee changes the standards they use to select playoff teams, and regionalize the games to save a few bucks, it deters fans from following FCS football. A couple things need to happen IMHO: 1.) be more transparent with what teams need to do to be eligible. 2.) meet for several weeks leading up to the selection (similar to FBS). 3.) **MOST IMPORTANT** seed all 24 teams (so they can't match up #9SDSU with #3NDSU in second round, which has happened 3 of last 4 years).

There is no precedent... They are the first at-large 6 win team to make the playoffs. This is also the first year the playoffs have had 24 teams with an 11 game regular season.

LOL, I know haha... That is the one they use

They do http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/fcs/simple-ratings-system

I am shocked as well. The UNI athletic director is the MVFC representative and I'm not sure who represents the Big Sky, but both did a poor job advocating on behalf of the teams in their conference. I think the committee should seed all 24 teams, the regionalization is BS as well.

Big Sky has the most of all FCS conferences with 3. Missouri Valley has 1, not sure why that matters. If Big Sky gets 5 teams in the playoffs (which is possible), it won't be because of the conference's record against FBS teams. Each team needs to have the best resume possible, and UND and PSU will both be in because of their resumes.

I agree, the committee will be meeting and watching the game. they will probably have scenarios ready for if UND wins and for if UND loses

Committee will look at FBS win and PSU win long before ISU loss.

Yes

A few years ago, Lehigh was undefeated and playing the last regular season game against a conference team with a few non-conference losses, but also undefeated in the conference. The winner would receive the auto-bid. Lehigh lost the game and ended the regular season with one loss, and was left out of the playoffs. crazy things happen this time of year!

The selection committee does not consider polls when determining the playoff field. It might be an indicator for the teams in, but I'm not sure what extent?

If you are referring to 2011 when E. Kentucky hosted and JMU went on the road for the first round game. That was a unique situation because the Ohio Valley Conference paid for E Kentucky to host in hopes that they would finally get a playoff win. IIRC